Title : Common infections in cancer patients – narrative review and clinical pearls
Abstract:
Background: Cancer patients are at heightened risk of infections due to immunosuppression from chemotherapy, radiotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and the underlying malignancy itself. These infections contribute significantly to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Understanding their prevalence and management is critical for improving patient outcomes.
Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, focusing on studies published between 2015 and 2025. Keywords included “cancer,” “infection,” “neutropenia,” “nosocomial pathogens,” and “antimicrobial resistance.” Articles addressing epidemiology, risk factors, and management strategies of infections in adult cancer patients were included. The team also adds on their clinical experience when analyzing the search results.
Results: The most common infections among cancer patients are septicemia especially during neutropenic periods from treatment, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and gastrointestinal infections. Gram‑negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa predominate, alongside Gram‑positive organisms like Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus species. Fungal infections, particularly Candida and Aspergillus, are frequent in patients with prolonged neutropenia. Especially the team encounters many patients suffering from oral Candidiasis unnecessarily due to under-recognition by their health providers. Viral infections, including cytomegalovirus and influenza, remain clinically significant. Risk factors include neutropenia, mucosal barrier injury, indwelling catheters, and prolonged hospitalization. Antimicrobial resistance is an emerging challenge, with multidrug‑resistant Gram‑negative organisms increasingly reported. Preventive strategies such as prophylactic antimicrobials, strict infection control measures, and vaccination programs have demonstrated efficacy in reducing infection rates. The team would emphasize on timely vaccination as well.
Conclusion: Infections remain a major complication in cancer care, driven by immunosuppression and invasive treatments. Early recognition, tailored antimicrobial therapy, and preventive measures are essential to reduce infection‑related morbidity and mortality. Ongoing surveillance and stewardship programs are critical to address rising antimicrobial resistance and to optimize supportive care in oncology.
